HPTS-Mono and BIS Cys-Ma polymerizable fluorescent dyes for use in analyte sensors

ABSTRACT

Novel fluorescent dyes are disclosed for use in analyte detection. In particular, mono- and bis-substituted HPTS dyes and methods of making them are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/954,204 filed Aug. 6, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Novel fluorescent dyes are disclosed for use in analyte detection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Investigators have used fluorescent techniques to measure polyhydroxyl compound (e.g., glucose) concentrations in body fluids. For example, Russell, disclosed the use of a boronic acid fimctionalized dye that binds to glucose and generates a signal dependent on glucose concentration (U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,246). James et al. used the same principle but combined a fluorescent dye, an amine quenching functionality, and a boronic acid in a single complex moiety, the fluorescence emission from which varies with the extent of glucose binding (U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,770). Glucose sensors comprising a fluorescent dye and a quencher comprising a single viologen moiety appended with boronic acids have been synthesized and investigated (e.g., Gamsey, S. et al. 2006 Langmuir 22:9067-9074; Thoniyot, P. et al. 2006 Diabetes Technol Ther 8:279-287; Cordes, D. B. et al. 2005 Langmuir 21:6540-6547; Cordes, D. B. et al. 2005 Org Biomol Chem 3:1708-1713; Cappuccio, E. E. et al. 2004 J Fluoresc 14:521-533; Gamsey, S. et al. 2007 J Am Chem Soc 129:1278-1286 and Cordes, D. B. et al. 2006 Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 45:3829-3832).

Fluorescent dyes, including 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS) and its derivatives, are known and have been used in analyte detection. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,141, 6,627,177, 5,512,246, 5,137,833, 6,800,451, 6,794,195, 6,804,544, 6,002,954, 6,319,540, 6,766,183, 5,503,770, and 5,763,238; International Application No. PCT/US2003/030167; and co-pending U.S. patent application Nos. 10/456,895 and 11/296,898; each of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Although International Application No. PCT/US2003/030167 describes bis-substituted HPTS derivatives, they are structurally different from the bis-substituted HPTS compounds disclosed herein and the synthesis methods described are different from the methods disclosed herein.

Segue to the Invention

As part of an ongoing effort to synthesize analyte sensors, we have developed new mono- and bis-substituted HTPS fluorescent dyes. These dyes may be used in combination with analyte-binding moieties to achieve real-time measurement of analyte levels in vivo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Mono-Substituted Dyes

N-substituted mono-sulfonamide derivatives of HPTS having the generic structure below are disclosed in the present invention:

-   -   wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group         consisting of H, an anionic group and a reactive group, with the         proviso that R¹ and R² collectively comprise at least one         anionic group and at least one reactive group; and wherein M is         a counterion.

In some embodiments, the anionic group is sulfonic acid.

In some embodiments, the reactive group is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acryloyl, methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido, styryl, and the like.

In some embodiments, the reactive group comprises a coupling group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkyne, azide, activated ester, succinimide and nitrobenzoate, and wherein the coupling group is capable of binding the compound to a polymer or substrate.

In embodiments wherein one of R¹ and R² is H, the other group includes both an anionic group and a reactive group.

In some embodiments, R¹ and R² are bonded together in a cyclic structure.

-   1. Mono-CysMA

A mono-substituted fluorescent dye termed mono-CysMA having the structure below is disclosed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A method of making mono-CysMA is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of:

-   2. Mono-MA

Another mono-substituted fluorescent dye termed mono-MA having the structure below is disclosed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A method of making mono-MA is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of:

Bis-Substituted Dyes

N-substituted bis-sulfonamide derivatives of HPTS having the generic structure below are disclosed:

-   -   wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group         consisting of H, an anionic group and a reactive group, with the         proviso that R¹ and R² collectively comprise at least one         anionic group and at least one reactive group; and wherein M is         a counterion.

In some embodiments, the anionic group is sulfonic acid.

In some embodiments, the reactive group is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acryloyl, methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido, styryl, and the like.

In some embodiments, the reactive group comprises a coupling group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkyne, azide, activated ester, succinimide and nitrobenzoate, and wherein the coupling group is capable of binding the compound to a polymer or substrate.

In some embodiments, R¹ and R² are bonded together in a cyclic structure.

A bis-substituted fluorescent dye termed bis-CysMA having the structure below is disclosed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A method of making bis-substituted dyes is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of:

Glucose Sensors

A glucose sensor is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a mono- or bis-substituted dye described herein and a quencher comprising boronic acid such as boronic acid-substituted viologens, or pyridinium and quinolinium salts functionalized with boronic acids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Comparison of mono-CysMA with tri-CysMA in 40% DMAA at pH 5.

FIG. 2. pH profile of mono-CysMA.

FIG. 3. Mono-CysMA response to glucose (mono-CysMA+3,3′-oBBV in 40% DMAA).

FIG. 4. Fluorescence spectra of mono-MA at different pH.

FIG. 5. Fluorescence spectra of mono-CysMA at different pH.

FIG. 6. Fluorescence spectra of tri-CysMA at different pH.

FIG. 7. Stem-Volmer comparison of HPTS dyes with 3,3′-oBBV.

FIG. 8. Comparison of glucose response with different dyes and 3,3′-oBBV.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Dyes

As used herein, the terms “fluorophore” or “fluorophore dye” or “dye” refer to a compound that, when exposed to light of appropriate wavelength, emits light, i.e., it fluoresces.

As used herein, a “coupling group” is a reactive functional group, capable of forming a covalent bond with a polymer, substrate matrix etc. especially with a preformed hydrogel. Such groups include, but are not limited to carboxylic acids, aldehydes, alkynes and azides, as well as activated esters, such as succinimides and nitrobenzoates, or any other monofimctional linker chemistry capable of covalently binding with polymer, substrate matrix etc. especially with a preformed hydrogel.

As used herein, an “anionic group” is any negatively charged group (e.g., SO₃ ⁻, HPO₃ ⁻, CO₂ ⁻ and

As used herein, a “counterion” is an ion that associates with an ion of opposite charge in the dye molecule. Non-limiting example counterions include H⁺, an alkali metal ion, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Fr⁺, an onium ion and NR₄ ⁺, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylaryl and aromatic groups. One skilled in the art recognizes that the counterion does not influence the function of the dye when incorporated in a sensor. When the sensor is in a physiological fluid, the counterions equilibrate with the ions already present in the fluid.

The dyes of the invention are susceptible to quenching by electron acceptor molecules, such as viologens, they are resistant to photo-bleaching, and are stable to photo-oxidation, hydrolysis and biodegradation when used under conditions normally encountered in glucose sensing applications. In some embodiments, the dye is bound to a polymer through sulfonamide fimctional groups. The polymeric dyes may be water soluble, water insoluble, organic-solvent soluble or organic-solvent insoluble. For sensing to occur, the sensing moieties (analyte, dye and quencher) are in close physical proximity to allow interaction, i.e., mixed on a molecular level and in equilibrium with the species to be detected for quenching to occur.

Quenchers

As used herein, the term “quencher” refers to a compound that reduces the emission of a fluorophore when in its presence.

In some embodiments, a quencher moiety provides glucose recognition. Such moieties comprise an aromatic boronic acid. More specifically, the boronic acid is covalently bonded to a conjugated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic bis-onium structure (e.g., a viologen) in which the boronic acid reacts reversibly with glucose in aqueous, organic or combination media to form boronate esters. The extent of the reaction is related to glucose concentration in the medium.

Bis-onium salts are prepared from conjugated heterocyclic aromatic dinitrogen compounds. The conjugated heterocyclic aromatic dinitrogen are, e.g., dipyridlys, dipyridyl ethylenes, dipyridyl phenylenes, phenanthrolines, and diazafluorenes. It is understood that all isomers of said conjugated heterocyclic aromatic dinitrogen compounds in which both nitrogens can be substituted are useful in this invention.

In some embodiments, 3,3′-oBBV may be used as a quencher moiety. The structure of 3,3′-oBBV is:

Mono-Substituted Dyes

N-substituted mono-sulfonamide derivatives of HPTS having the generic structure below are disclosed in the present invention:

-   -   wherein M is a counterion and R1 and R2 are individually H— or         an organic group or wherein R1 and R2 optionally comprising a         reactive group and an anionic group, preferably a sulfonate ion,         with the proviso that if one of R1 and R2 is H, the other is an         organic group and if both R1 and R2 are organic groups at least         one of R1 and R2 comprise a reactive group selected from a         polymerizable group or a coupling group, preferably a         polymerizable group. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 may be         bonded together in a cyclic structure. Polymerizable groups are         preferably ethylenically unsaturated groups including acryloyl,         methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido, styryl, and the like.         Coupling groups used to bond the dye to an existing polymer or         substrate include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids,         aldehydes, alkynes and azides, as well as activated esters, such         as succinimides and nitrobenzoates.

Dyes with only one polymerizable group are advantageous for making hydrogels and other sensing polymers because, in contrast to the polymerizable HPTS derivatives in the prior art, they do not act as crosslinkers. In addition, dye groups bonded to the polymer matrix at only one point are hypothesized to have greater mobility in the immobilized state thus allowing better interaction with the quencher. Interaction is further enhanced by the presence of acid groups that are fully ionized at physiological pH. Preferred dyes are mono-substituted derivatives of HPTS wherein one sulfonate group on the pyrene ring is converted to an N-substituted sulfonamide. The N-substituent comprises a linking group covalently bonded to an ethylenically unsaturated group, and optionally a sulfonic acid group, or salts thereof. Ethylenically unsaturated groups are preferably acryloyl, methacryloyl, acrylamido, methacrylamido, and styryl. Dyes with mono-substitution are also advantageous because the pK_(a) of such dyes is optimized for physiological conditions, i.e., pH 7.4.

In some embodiments, N-substituted sulfonamide derivatives are formed by reaction of a sulfonyl chloride intermediate with a primary amine, R¹—NH₂. In other embodiments, N,N-bis-substituted sulfonamide derivatives are formed by reaction with a secondary amine, R¹—NH—R²; optionally the R groups may be joined to form a cyclic secondary amine

The following scheme includes examples of structures that encompass different types of mono-substituted dyes with secondary and aromatic amines:

Some HPTS dye structures used herein include:

-   1. Mono-CysMA

The structure of mono-CysMA is:

Of course, in some embodiments, substitutions other than Cys-MA on the HPTS core are consistent with aspects of the present invention, as long as the substitutions are negatively charged and have a polymerizable group. Either L or D stereoisomers of cysteic acid may be used. Likewise, in variations to mono-CysMA shown above, other counterions besides Na⁺ may be used, e.g., NBu₄ ⁺. In other variations, the sulfonic acid groups may be replaced with e.g., phosphoric, carboxylic, etc. functional groups.

The synthesis of mono-CysMA is given in Scheme 1. Reaction of HPTS with 30% sulfuric acid at 150° C. for 20 min gave sodium 3-hydroxypyrene-5-sulfonate 1 in 10% yield. Acetylation of 1 followed by chlorination of 2 gave intermediate 3, which is analogous to HPTS-Cl but with only one sulfonyl chloride. The polymerizable group was attached via the cysteic acid moiety and reacted with 3 to give compound 4. Chlorosulfonation of 4 was achieved without affecting the polymerizable group and after purification on polystyrene beads gave mono-CysMA in 50% yield over two steps. The dye was characterized by ¹H NMR, HPLC, and MS.

Referring to Scheme 4, a 50-mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with HPTS (9.5 mmols, 5 g) and 30% H₂SO₄ (35 mL). The mixture was heated at 150° C. for 20 min and then allowed to cool at ambient temp for 10 min. The solution was poured into 100 g of crushed ice and diluted to 200 mL with water. The mixture was extracted with isopropyl acetate (200 mL×4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was mixed with silica gel (3 g) and crushed into a fine powder and dry loaded onto a Biotage 40 M cartridge. The residue was purified via gradient elution using 5% MeOH: (5% NEt₃:CH₂Cl₂) to 15% MeOH: (5% NEt₃:CH₂Cl₂) to give the triethylamine salt of 1 (0.281 g). The salt was treated with 1 M HCl and extracted with isopropyl acetate and the isopropyl acetate layer dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give 1 as a brown/green foam. Synthesis of 1 was reported previously by E. Tietze and O. Bayer 1939 Ann 540:189-210. TLC (MeOH: CH₂Cl₂:NEt₃, 2:7:1) R_(f)=0.23. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ7.94 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 8.98 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H).

Referring to Scheme 5, a 50-mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with 1 (1.7 mmols, 0.5 g), acetic anhydride (30 mL), and sodium acetate (3.4 mmols, 0.279 g). The mixture was heated at 150° C. for 2 h and then allowed to cool to ambient temp. The solution was precipitated with ether:hexane (1:1, 50 mL) and the solid collected onto a fritted funnel and washed with ether. The solid was mixed with silica gel (3 g) and crushed into a fine powder and dry loaded onto a Biotage 40 M cartridge. The product was purified via gradient elution using 5% MeOH:CH₂Cl₂ to 15% MeOH: CH₂Cl₂ to give 2 (0.4636 g) as a cream-colored solid. TLC (20% MeOH: CH₂Cl₂) R_(f)=0.49.

Referring to Scheme 6, a 50-mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with 2 (1.28 mmols, 0.463 g), CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL), and oxalyl chloride (3.84 mmols, 1.92 mL of 2.0 M solution in CH₂Cl₂). DMF (0.2 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was refluxed for 27 h. The solution was cooled to room temp, mixed with 5 g of silica gel and filtered through a fritted fimnel. The filtrate containing 3 was concentrated in vacuo to ca. 5 mL, and freshly prepared 4 (1.63 mmols, 0.872 g) was added along with NEt₃ (1.63 mmols, 0.227 mL). The mixture was stirred for 13.5 h at room temperature and the precipitate that formed was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and loaded onto a Biotage 40M cartridge and was purified via gradient elution using 5% MeOH: (5% NEt₃:CHCl₃) to 30% MeOH: (5% NEt₃:CHCl₃). The desired fractions were combined and treated with 1 M HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give a yellow foam. The foam was treated with chlorosulfonic acid (5 mL) and the mixture was stirred for one hour at room temp. The solution was poured onto ice and made basic with 3M NaOH. The orange water layer was adsorbed onto polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (250 g) and washed with water to remove any salts. The desired product was extracted from the beads using MeOH. The MeOH/water layer was concentrated in vacuo and then precipitated with acetone to give 0.1947 g of mono-CysMA. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, D₂O) δ0.80 (m, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 3.09 (m, 4H), 3.24 (m, 2H), 4.26 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 5.15 (s, 1H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 8.91 (m, 3H), 9.14 (s, 1H); MS (MALDI-TOF) C₂₆H₂₇N₃O₁₄S₄, MH⁺ 734.05.

A hydrogel was prepared containing mono-CysMA, as described previously in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/671,880, to evaluate the fluorescence properties (excitation (ex), emission (em) and pK_(a)) of mono-CysMA. The excitation and emission spectra are given in FIG. 1 and are compared to tri-CysMA.

A pH study was carried out with the gel. The data is summarized in FIG. 2. From this data the pK_(a)=7.2. Thus, mono-substitution allows for the incorporation of a polymerizable group and a sulfonate with minimal change of pK_(a) relative to HPTS (pk_(a)=7.3).

A 40% DMAA gel was prepared as previously described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/671,880 (FIG. 3). Thus, the mono-CysMA functions as a pH sensitive dye and as a glucose sensitive dye (in the same way that tri-CysMA functions).

-   2. Mono-MA

The structure of mono-MA is:

The synthesis of mono-MA is given in scheme 2. Reaction of 3 with aminopropyl methacrylamide gives pyrene 7. Chlorosulfonation of 7 gives the desired product Mono-MA. This dye is unique in that it contains only two negative charges. Thus, one dye molecule can associate with one quencher to give a charge-balanced 1:1 complex

Referring to Scheme 7, mono-MA was made according to the following methods. A 50-mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar was charged with 2 (0.591 mmols, 0.214 g), CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), and oxalyl chloride (1.8 mmols, 0.9 mL of 2.0 M solution in CH₂Cl₂). DMF (0.1 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was refluxed for 27 h. The solution was cooled to room temp, mixed with 5 g of silica gel and filtered through a fritted funnel. The filtrate containing 3 was concentrated in vacuo to ca. 5 mL, and freshly prepared 6 (0.65 mmols, 0.116 g) was added along with NEt₃ (0.7 mmols, 0.097 mL). The mixture was stirred for 20 h at room temperature and the precipitate that formed was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and loaded onto a Biotage 40M cartridge and was purified via gradient elution using 5% MeOH: CH₂Cl₂ to 15% MeOH:CH₂Cl₂ to give a yellow solid (46 mg). The solid was treated with chlorosulfonic acid (1 mL) and the mixture was stirred for one hour at room temp. The solution was poured onto ice and made basic with 3M NaOH. The orange water layer was adsorbed onto polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (50 g) and washed with water to remove any salts. The desired product was extracted from the beads using MeOH. The MeOH/water layer was concentrated in vacuo and then precipitated with acetone to give 8 mg of mono-MA.

Mono-MA dye was prepared and its quantum yield was compared to other HPTS derivatives. A summary of the emission/absorbance (Em/Abs) ratios for HPTS, mono-MA, mono-CysMA and tri-CysMA are given in Table 1. We refer to this as the apparent quantum yield since the actual numbers are arbitrary but can be used for comparison. FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 give the fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of mono-MA, mono-CysMA and tri-CysMA in a DMAA film, respectively at different pHs.

TABLE 1 Comparison of Dyes at 1 × 10⁻⁵ M in pH 7.4 PBS Intensity Ratio Dye Absorbance at max (“Quantum Yield”) HPTS 0.15654 553 3533 Mono-MA 0.09003 258 2870 Mono-CysMA 0.15741 335 2128 Tri-CysMA 0.26113 351 1344

The Stem-Volmer curves for all the dyes are summarized in FIG. 7. The mono-MA is quenched most efficiently relative to the other dyes. This appears to be a result of the charge-charge matching between the dye and the quencher; i.e., the dye has two negative charges and the quencher has two negative charges.

The three polymerizable dyes were immobilized using 40% DMAA and their pK_(a) determined via a pH study. The results are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Determination of Dye pKa Values Dye pKa HPTS 7.3 Mono-MA 6.7 Mono-CysMA 7.2 Tri-CysMA 6.2

Relative to HPTS, the mono-substituted dyes have lower pK_(a)s. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the effective pK_(a) of each dye appears to be the result of two structural modifications relative to HPTS: sulfonamide substitution on the pyrene core and anionic substitution on the linker. Dyes that are mono-substituted are advantageous because their pK_(a)s render them more sensitive to pH changes in the physiological range.

The dyes were tested in solution for glucose response in pH 7.4 PBS with 3,3′-oBBV (FIG. 8). The dyes were also immobilized in 40% DMAA gels using the recipe described previously and a glucose response experiment was carried out (FIG. 3).

Bis-Substituted Dyes

N-substituted bis-sulfonamide derivatives of HPTS having the generic structure below are disclosed:

-   -   wherein M is a counterion and R¹ and R² are individually H— or         an organic group, or wherein R¹ and R² optionally comprise a         reactive group and an anionic group, preferably a sulfonate ion         with the proviso that if one of R¹ and R² is H, the other is an         organic group and if both R¹ and R² are organic groups at least         one of R¹ and R² comprise a reactive group selected from a         polymerizable group or a coupling group, preferably a         polymerizable group. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² may be         bonded together in a cyclic structure. Polymerizable groups are         preferably ethylenically unsaturated groups including acryloyl,         methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido, styryl, and the like.         Coupling groups used to bond the dye to an existing polymer or         substrate include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids,         aldehydes, alkynes and azides, as well as activated esters, such         as succinimides and nitrobenzoates.

The following scheme includes examples of structures that encompass different types of bis-substituted dyes with secondary and aromatic amines:

A bis-substituted fluorescent dye termed bis-CysMA having the structure below is disclosed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A method of making bis-cysMA is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of:

Bis-substituted dyes serve as crosslinkers. They also may have a more optimal pK_(a), in comparison to tri-substituted dyes, that renders them more sensitive to pH changes in the physiological range. In addition, it is possible to have multiple functionalities attached to the dye (e.g., one sulfonamide may contain a polymerizable group while the other may contain an anionic group such as a sulfonic acid.

Scheme 1 shows steps used to synthesize compound 3. Reaction of HPTS with 30% sulfuric acid at 150° C. for 20 min gave sodium 3-hydroxypyrene-5-sulfonate 1 in 10% yield. Acetylation of 1 followed by chlorination of 2 gave intermediate 3, which is analogous to our HPTS-Cl but with only one sulfonyl chloride.

Referring to Scheme 3, compound 3 is reacted with phenol in the presence of base (e.g., pyridine, K₂CO₃, etc.) to obtain the sulfonate ester 8. Chlorosulfonation of 8 is carried out to give the bis-sulfonyl chloride 9. Reaction of 9 with 4 gives 10, which upon deprotection with base, gives bis-CysMA.

Glucose Sensors

Glucose sensors of the present invention comprise a fluorophore operably coupled to a glucose binding moiety, wherein glucose binding causes an apparent optical change in the fluophores concentration (e.g., emission intensity). For example, glucose binding moieties such as viologens appended with boronic acid (e.g., 3,3′-oBBV) or pyridinium salts functionalized with boronic acids are operably coupled to a fluorescent dye such as those described herein. The glucose binding moieties quench the emission intensity of the fluorescent dye, wherein the extent of quenching is reduced upon glucose binding, resulting in an increase in emission intensity related to glucose concentration.

In some embodiments, the glucose sensor systems comprise a means for immobilizing the sensing moieties (e.g., dye-quenchers) such that they remain physically close enough to one another to interact (quenching). Where in vivo sensing is desired, such immobilizing means are preferably insoluble in an aqueous environment (e.g., intravascular), permeable to glucose, and impermeable to the sensing moieties. Typically, the immobilizing means comprises a water-insoluble organic polymer matrix. For example, the dye-quencher may be effectively immobilized with a DMAA (N,N′-dimethylacrylamide) hydrogel matrix, which allows glucose sensing in vivo.

Typical sensor configurations include a light source adapted to generate light at one or more excitation wavelengths, an optical fiber adapted to transmit light from the light source to a chemical indicator system (e.g., a fluorescent dye, quencher and immobilizing polymer), wherein the indicator system is preferably disposed within the light path along a distal region of the optical fiber, which is in contact with a physiological fluid containing an amount of glucose (e.g., within a blood vessel), and a detector adapted to determine the emission fluorescence at one or more emission wavelengths.

Glucose sensor chemistries, device configurations and hardware may include any embodiments disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/456,895, 11/296,898, 11/671,880, 11/782,553, 60/888,477, 60/888,475, 60/917,309, 60/917,307, 60/915,372 and 60/949,145; each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

Polymer Matrices for Sensors

For in vivo applications, the sensor is preferably used in a moving stream of physiological fluid, e.g., within a blood vessel, which contains one or more polyhydroxyl organic compounds or is implanted in tissue such as muscle which contains said compounds. Therefore, it is preferred that none of the sensing moieties escape from the sensor assembly. Thus, for use in vivo, the sensing components are part of an organic polymer sensing assembly. Soluble dyes and quenchers can be confined by a semi-permeable membrane that allows passage of the analyte but blocks passage of the sensing moieties. This can be realized by using as sensing moieties soluble molecules that are substantially larger than the analyte molecules (molecular weight of at least twice that of the analyte or greater than 1000 preferably greater than 5000); and employing a selective semipermeable membrane such as a dialysis or an ultrafiltration membrane with a specific molecular weight cutoff between the two so that the sensing moieties are quantitatively retained.

Preferably the sensing moieties are immobilized in an insoluble polymer matrix, which is freely permeable to glucose. The polymer matrix may be comprised of organic, inorganic or combinations of polymers thereof. The matrix may be composed of biocompatible materials. Alternatively, the matrix is coated with a second biocompatible polymer that is permeable to the analytes of interest.

One function of the polymer matrix is to hold together and immobilize the fluorophore and quencher moieties providing an operable coupling between these moities, while at the same time allowing contact with the analyte, and binding of the analyte to the boronic acid. To achieve this effect, the matrix is preferably insoluble in the medium, and in close association with it by establishing a high surface area interface between matrix and analyte solution. For example, an ultra-thin film or microporous support matrix may be used. Alternatively, the matrix is swellable in the analyte solution, e.g., a hydrogel matrix is used for aqueous systems. In some instances, the sensing polymers are bonded to a surface such as the surface of a light conduit, or impregnated in a microporous membrane. In all cases, the matrix preferably does not interfere with transport of the analyte to the binding sites so that equilibrium can be established between the two phases. Techniques for preparing ultra-thin films, microporous polymers, microporous sol-gels, and hydrogels are established in the art. All useful matrices are defined as being analyte permeable.

Hydrogel polymers are preferred for embodiments of this invention. The term, hydrogel, as used herein refers to a polymer that swells substantially, but does not dissolve in water. Such hydrogels may be linear, branched, or network polymers, or polyelectrolyte complexes, with the proviso that they contain no soluble or leachable fractions. Typically, hydrogel networks are prepared by a crosslinking step, which is performed on water-soluble polymers so that they swell but do not dissolve in aqueous media. Alternatively, the hydrogel polymers are prepared by copolymerizing a mixture of hydrophilic and crosslinking monomers to obtain a water swellable network polymer. Such polymers are formed either by addition or condensation polymerization, or by combination process. In these cases, the sensing moieties are incorporated into the polymer by copolymerization using monomeric derivatives in combination with network-forming monomers. Alternatively, reactive moieties are coupled to an already prepared matrix using a post polymerization reaction. Said sensing moieties are units in the polymer chain or pendant groups attached to the chain.

The hydrogels useful in this invention may also be monolithic polymers, such as a single network to which both dye and quencher are covalently bonded, or multi-component hydrogels. Multi-component hydrogels include interpenetrating networks, polyelectrolyte complexes, and various other blends of two or more polymers to obtain a water swellable composite, which includes dispersions of a second polymer in a hydrogel matrix and alternating microlayer assemblies.

Monolithic hydrogels are typically formed by free radical copolymerization of a mixture of hydrophilic monomers, including but not limited to HEMA, PEGMA, methacrylic acid, hydroxyethyl acrylate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, acrylamide, N,N′-dimethyl acrylamide, and the like; ionic monomers include methacryloylaminopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, sodium sulfopropyl methacrylate, and the like; crosslinkers include ethylene dimethacrylate, PEGDMA, N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and the like. The ratios of monomers are chosen to optimize network properties including permeability, swelling index, and gel strength using principles well-established in the art. The concentration of dye is chosen to optimize emission intensity. The ratio of quencher to dye is adjusted to provide sufficient quenching to produce the desired measurable signal.

Alternatively, a monolithic hydrogel may be formed by a condensation polymerization.

Polymers that are capable of reacting with boronic acids to form boronate esters under the conditions of this method are not preferred as matrix polymers. Such polymers have 1,2- or 1,3-dihydroxy substituents, including but not limited to cellulosic polymers, polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohol and its copolymers and the like.

While the present invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. All figures, tables, and appendices, as well as patents, applications, and publications, referred to above, are hereby incorporated by reference. 

1. The compound

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of H, an anionic group and a reactive group, with the proviso that R¹ and R² collectively comprise at least one anionic group and at least one reactive group; and wherein M is a counterion.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the anionic group is sulfonic acid.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein said reactive group is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acryloyl, methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido and styryl.
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein said reactive group comprises a coupling group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkyne, azide, activated ester, succinimide and nitrobenzoate, and wherein said coupling group is capable of binding the compound to a polymer or substrate.
 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are bonded together in a cyclic structure.
 6. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 7. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 8. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 9. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 10. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 11. A method of making the compound of claim 10, wherein M is Na, comprising the steps of:


12. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 13. A method of making the compound of claim 12, wherein M is Na, comprising the steps of:


14. The compound:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of H, an anionic group and a reactive group, with the proviso that R¹ and R² collectively comprise at least one anionic group and at least one reactive group; and wherein M is a counterion.
 15. The compound of claim 14, wherein the anionic group is sulfonic acid.
 16. The compound of claim 14 wherein said reactive group is an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acryloyl, methacryloyl, acrylamide, methacrylamido and styryl.
 17. The compound of claim 14 wherein said reactive group comprises a coupling group selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkyne, azide, activated ester, succinimide and nitrobenzoate, and wherein said coupling group is capable of binding the compound to a polymer or substrate.
 18. The compound of claim 14, wherein R¹ and R² are bonded together in a cyclic structure.
 19. The compound of claim 1 or 14 comprising L, D, or L and D sterioisomers of cysteic acid.
 20. A hydrogel comprising a compound of claim 1 or
 14. 21. A glucose sensor comprising a compound of claim 1 or claim
 14. 22. The glucose sensor of claim 21, further comprising a quencher moiety comprising boronic acid.
 23. The glucose sensor of claim 22, wherein said quencher moiety comprising boronic acid is 3,3′-oBBV:


24. A hydrogel comprising a glucose sensor of claim
 21. 25. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 26. A method of making the compound of claim 25, wherein M is Na, comprising the steps of:


27. The compound of claim 10, 12 or 25, wherein M is Na.
 28. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 29. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 30. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion.
 31. The compound:

wherein M is a counterion. 